BERLIN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- After long speculations, St. Pauli veteran and coach Holger Stanislawski, 41, signed with Hoffenheim to take helm at the club until 2014, the club announced on Tuesday.

Holger Stanislawski took over in 2006 at St. Pauli, where he played as a professional from 1993 until 2004, to lead the club from fourth into first division.

"Holger Stanislawski is with no doubt an extraordinary personality in German Bundesliga. He proved his coaching skills at St. Pauli and with his congenial and straightforward manner he is held in high esteem by fans, players and staff," Hoffenheim manager Ernst Tanner said.

Designated coach Stanislawski added at the press conference: " It was a heavy goodbye after 20 years at St. Pauli but I still think it is time for me to seek for new and exciting challenges."

Hoffenheim take 9th position at Bundesliga along 40 points without the chance to participate at an international competition.